Many congratulations go to two brilliant DGA authors, whose books have reached the longlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction. Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness and Meena Kandasamy's When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife are both on the 16-strong list.

The longlist was compiled by the 2018 judging panel, chaired by Sarah Sands who is joined by Anita Anand, BBC radio and television journalist; Katy Brand, writer, comedian and actor; Catherine Mayer, journalist, author and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party and actress Imogen Stubbs. The longlist honours both new and well-established writers and a range of genres, spanning four continents and including six debut novels.

Sarah Sands, chair of judges and Editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme said: “The longlist came out of a Chequers style meeting where different views were accommodated and peace reigned, at least for now,” commented Sarah Sands, Chair of Judges. “What is striking about the list, apart from the wealth of talent, is that women writers refuse to be pigeon-holed. We have searing social realism, adventure, comedy, poetic truths, ingenious plots and unforgettable characters. Women of the world are a literary force to be reckoned with.”

The shortlist is announced 23rd April and the winner will be revealed 6th June.